At least nine people, including two young children, were killed after being struck by lightning in Eastern Rwanda while seeking shelter from heavy rain as they returned from farming activities in the Akagera marshlands.
The victims—six men and three women—were caught in a thunderstorm on Mbuye Hill, where heavy rain accompanied by lightning forced them to look for cover.
They took refuge in a small security observation shelter, where the lightning strike occurred.
The incident happened in Murama Village, Kibimba Cell, Jarama Sector, in Ngoma District.
Among the deceased were two children aged eight and five. In total, 18 people were affected by the lightning strike, nine of whom died, while the others sustained injuries.
The victims were identified as:
- Emmanuel Uwaribonye, 34, from Murama Village, Kibimba Cell
- Jean Habiyaremye, 32, from Remera Village, Kigoma Cell
- Eric Nshimiyimana, 37, from Murama Village, Kibimba Cell
- Nkundimana, 27, from Akaziba Village, Kibimba Cell
- Elroi Niyomungeri, 8, from Murama Village, Kibimba Cell
- Jean Claude Ishimwe, 25, from Abiyunze Village, Jarama Sector
- Mutoni, 25, from Mubaha Village, Kigoma Cell
- Claudine Benegusenga, 5, from Iramiro Village, Kigoma Cell
- Uwamariya, 37, from Iramiro Village, Kigoma Cell
Local authorities said the victims were scheduled to be laid to rest on Monday.
Taarifa Rwanda attempted to reach the Mayor of Ngoma District, Nathalie Niyonagira, to obtain information on the assistance being provided to the affected families, but she was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.
The tragedy occurred as Meteo Rwanda warned that rainfall expected in January 2026 would range between 50 and 300 millimeters, slightly above the long-term average for the month.
The increased rainfall is forecast to affect the Western, Northern, and Southern provinces, the City of Kigali, and parts of the Eastern Province.
Typically, January rainfall ranges between 26 and 269 millimeters. According to forecasts, rainfall during the first and third ten-day periods of January 2026 is expected to remain within normal levels, while the second ten-day period is projected to record above-average rainfall.
Authorities continue to warn the public against seeking shelter under trees, in isolated structures, or while carrying umbrellas during thunderstorms, as these actions significantly increase the risk of lightning strikes.
The Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) has consistently stated that lightning is one of the deadliest natural hazards in Rwanda, claiming lives almost every year.
